Medela Pump in Style Advanced and Spectra S2 Comparison

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This post has been LONG AWAITED, but I’m so happy to finally share my Medela Pump in Style Advanced and Spectra S2 Comparison with you! As a former exclusive pumper, I feel like I have high expectations for breast pumps and wanted to share my thoughts and the differences on both of these top performers! I’m talking about each of them individually, and even included a TL;DR for you to sum up 😉 I’ll give my final thoughts at the end! So let’s hop to it!

Medela Pump In Style Advanced and Spectra S2 Comparison

Please make sure you check with your insurance company for breast pump coverage!! 🙂

Medela Pump in Style Advanced

I’ve used the Medela Pump in Style Advanced for 2 out of 3 kiddos, and one of them I exclusively pumped for. It made it through 13 months of EPing, which means I was pumping anywhere from 3-8 times a day! The compact size made it easy to bring on the go (I would often be pumping in my car since I work in homecare), and I loved the battery pack and car adaptor options.

You can switch to expression mode once your milk starts to flow. I like this option because sometimes I have a let down before it automatically switches over to the pump mode, so if that happens I can switch over sooner.

You can control the strength of the suction. BUT IT’S POWERFUL. Do your nips a favor, don’t put the suction all the way up! Only have it as high as you need to get milk out.

There’s the ability to pump single or double. I usually only pump double, but this is convenient if you need to only pump one side! I do this now at times because Austin still isn’t really on a schedule yet and his feeding times are sometimes unpredictable. If I don’t want to completely express all my milk, I’ll just do one side so one boob is ready to go for him.

There’s a battery pack. This is helpful if you have to pump on the go so you’re not having to search for an outlet! The only thing I found is the batteries die pretty quickly, so you have to change them out frequently!

It’s an open system. The only thing I don’t love about this pump is there’s no barrier between the milk collection kit and the pump mechanism to prevent contamination.

Portability is better. The design is pretty small and sleek and it’s easy to throw in any bag!

Parts more readily available. You can find Medela parts just about anywhere, which is helpful in a pinch!

IT’S LOUD. Really loud. This was probably what I mainly disliked about this pump. I also felt like to was talking to me every time I hooked up and said a few choice words (I swear it called me a, ass-hooole, ass-hooole, ass-hoooole). Did your pump talk to you? Most mamas I ask say it does, haha!

Spectra S2

I received the Spectra S2 this time around through my insurance company!

It’s a hospital grade pump. This means it’s a high performance pump with great suction. Great for exclusively pumping moms, or mamas with low supply.

You can switch to expression mode once you’re milk starts to flow. Similar to the Medela, once your milk starts flowing you can switch it over to save time!

The suction is adjustable in both stimulation and expression mode. I like this because everyone’s body responds differently, so you can adjust accordingly. The Medela only offers one suction strength in stimulation mode.

There are multiple cycle rates so you can control how fast or slow it pumps. This helps closely mimic your baby’s natural sucking pattern. For instance, it can do a slower, stronger suction or a faster, lighter suction. There are numerous settings to fit your needs. The higher the numbers = the more suction! Play with the settings to find what your body responds best to.

It saves your settings: The S2 will remember the settings you used previously, which can be beneficial and saves a bit of time! However, if you like to work your way up to a certain setting, you just have to remember to turn it back down before you shut the pump off.

30 minute shut off: The S2 conveniently shuts off after 30 minutes. This is actually super beneficial because I can’t tell you how many times I fell asleep pumping when I exclusively pumped for Landon!

The breast shield and flange are one single unit. This is kind of annoying, if I’m being honest. It makes it a little cumbersome to put them on when wearing a hands-free pumping bra.

Not as portable: It’s a little bulky of a design, and definitely not as small as the Medela. Not all bags will fit the S2, but my gal Sarah Wells developed a pump bag that will! I use her Abby bag, and the Spectra fits perfectly.

No battery option. You either need a plug or a car adaptor in order to use the pump. A battery option would be really nice, but I wonder if this has to do with the fact that it’s a stronger, hospital grade pump.

Parts aren’t as readily available. Medela parts can be found in just about any store that carries baby products, but that’s not the case with the Spectra. You can order on Amazon though, if you aren’t in a pinch! I bought extra supplies just to have on hand.

It’s INSANELY quiet. The first time my husband heard it, he said, “IT’S ON??!!?!?” Seriously, you can barely tell it’s on! Much better if you want to pump discreetly.

It’s a closed system. The back flow protector protects your breastmilk from any harmful bacteria.

There’s a night light! This is awesome if you’re an exclusive pumper who’s pumping at night during those early weeks! No need to turn on the lights or even leave the room.

Here’s your TL;DR:

Which would I recommend?

Honestly? I love both. My Medela got me through 13 months of exclusive pumping and still worked great! But I love the different features of the Spectra S2, and it’s much more gentle on my nipples. I also pump faster with the Spectra (I’ll be done in 10 minutes) whereas the Medela would take me anywhere from 20-30 minutes. I think its just a matter of figuring out which better fits your needs!

If you’ve used both, which do you prefer? I’d love to hear in a comment below!

I had the S1 which had a rechargeable battery which i really loved! I also pumped with both and agree that they’re both really good pumps. If I had to choose I’d probably choose the Spectra because of how quiet it is and the closed system I think is important but honestly both are great!

Love my Spectra! I can’t see if anyone else has commented this already, but with the Spectra S1 it has a battery so it doesn’t always have to be plugged in! And the battery life is really good 🙂 Thought I’d share the added benefit of the S1 in case anyone is debating the two versions.

I haven’t used a PISA (my insurance only provides Ameda) but I did rent a Medela Symphony with my first. This time I bought a Spectra S1 and am super excited to see how it compares to the Symphony. From what I’ve read, and what you’ve said here, it sounds like it has so many similar features. I haven’t tried it yet as Baby two hasn’t made an appearance (due yesterday)!

I wanted to add that the Spectra S1 does come with a battery. Not sure if insurance companies cover that one, since I bought mine. Also, I got some adapters on amazon for cheap so that allow the use of all my Medela flanges and bottles that I already have from last time. So that will hopefully solve the one piece flange issue and make using the hands free pumping bra easier. Can’t wait to try it soon!

I had my first baby a couple weeks after you had Austin, so I’ve loved following all your baby/ Mom advice posts and Insta stories! I have the Spectra S2 from our insurance and I love it, but I don’t really have anything to compare it to. And just a side note- I have a sweet mama friend who recommended the Spectra to me (she had her fifth baby last October so I take her mama advice as gold!), and she said she upgraded to the S1 and it has a battery option! Thanks for all your mom advice and keep it comin’ for us newbies!

I called my insurance company (BCBS) and they gave me a list of websites to order through (medical supply companies). The lady from BCBS said to call and order when I start my third trimester and they’ll send to me and bill the insurance company. First pregnancy here, so not experienced with this yet but hope this helps!

I used the Medela pump while I was in the hospital for one month after my son was born. I honestly hated it! I have the Spectra S1 (the blue one) at home and it is amazing! I had to get Pumpin Pals inserts (basically a silicone flange) because I needed a smaller size. But I definitely love the Spectra pump! Mine also has a 4 hour battery life! I leave it plugged in at home and for on the go I can leave it unplugged!

Just had our first baby on April 14th, and I received the Spectra S2 through my insurance. I’ve pumped a few times and love it so far. The hospital said that parts for the Spectra will be available in stores this fall. Like you, I’ve purchased some through Amazon. Thanks for posting your review!

Hi! I have the Spectra S2 also but I have the portable version – just wanted to let you know that there is one out there with an internal battery! I remember asking about that when I got mine and I’m not sure why it isn’t portable by default. I do remember having to pay a little bit extra for the internal battery but it wasn’t much and was totally worth it!

Just FYI for others looking — you can get the Spectra S1 Premier Rechargable pump which is so nice when an outlet is not readily available or for pumping in your car as mentioned (only an extra $40 however my insurance covered the cost of the pump all but $30 to upgrade). The battery lasts a decent amount of time. I love the pump! Thanks for the review and comparison!

I have the spectra S1 which has a rechargeable internal battery which lasts about 1.5-2 weeks between charges 🙌🏼🙌🏼(I pump twice a day for about 10m a time) this was an upgrade with my insurance from the S2 model but I think it was only $40 more and you can use flex spending money for it 👍🏼

I also use the bravado pumping bra that has larger “slits” for the flange to just slip into. It’s so easy to get set up for pumping with this bra!

Great comparison! I am an EPer and I actually use both (PISA at night/middle of the night/early morning) and the Spectra (S1 – identical to S2 except it has the internal rechargeable battery)during the work day because it’s quiet and portable. Thanks for sharing this! XO

I prefer the medela, I have a low supply and I feel the spectacle does a better job of getting the milk out. The S1 does have batteries and is portable but it is pricier (upgrade with insurance) sap that’s why I didn’t get it.

I have used Madela, Ameda, and the Spectra. The Ameda by far was the most portable, it fit in my make up bag 😁. Out of the three I like the Spectra the best, I pump faster, express more milk, and the light is game changing for night time pumping. I do have the Spectra S1 which allows you to not be connected to a wall, it charges and shows the battery life at the top. I love that the S1 charges because I don’t have to worry about batteries this time around.

I prefer the Spectra S2. I actually purchased it for my 2nd so now I have 2. I also use Medela parts with it & it works great. With my 1st I actually had to do a hack, but this time around, I bought the bavkflow protectors that came with it worked in the Medela flanges.

I have the spectra s1 (the blue one). It holds a charge really well so u don’t always have to be plugged in to a wall. Otherwise it’s the same as the S2. I absolutely love how quiet it is and I rarely have to pump longer than 7-8 mins ever. I also like how u can set to diff modes. The models was to hard on my nipples

I started my EP journey with a Medela PISA and switched to a Spectra a few months in. As far as the pump itself, I’d choose the Spectra every time; hands down. I had the S1 version, which has a built-in battery pack, which was fantastic for dealing with my toddler without having to stop pumping (potty training waits for no man!). But the Spectra parts, left much to be desired. Thankfully, I found out you could buy a certain part on Amazon, and “hack” the Spectra to use the Medela bottles/flanges. So much better that way!

I have the spectra S2 and love it!! I’m aFTM so dont know any others but like LAUREN says, it’s super quiet and fast. I pump in my office at work and many times I have a conference call and I just keep pumping because no one will notice!! I bought an extra set of flanges & pump parts on amazon for around $20. You can also buy a car adapter if you need one!

I used the Spectra S1 (it’s the blue one) and loved it. It has a battery option as well so was great to take to work, very portable. I always felt like I was done pumping super fast and it was nice and quiet. I actually used the Medela flange though and amazon sells a little adapter to the spectra so it was easy to clean as well.

I used the Medela with my first and am using the spectra s2 this go around! I love the spectra! I love the backflow protector and it really is so quiet! I couldn’t afford a Sara Wells bag, but I got one of those cute popular backpack diaper bags of amazon because it has a large opening on the backside of the backpack that gives you access to the main compartment. Works like a charm 😊

I’m a spectra girl! Used the medela with babies 1 and 2, and it was ok. But I got the spectra S1 for #3 and love it! Like you said, it’s quieter and much more efficient time wise. Also, the model I have is a bit more expensive, but it does have a battery life and just requires being plugged in to charge.

I have both pumps and use the Medela at work and Spectra at home. I prefer the Spectra because I feel like it empties me better and quicker. Also, I hacked my Spectra to work with my Medela parts so I didn’t have to buy the specific Spectra flanges!

I exclusively pumped for a year with my first baby and I used the same medela pump as you. Now I’m breastfeeding and pumping with my second and I’m using the spectra s2 and I like it so much more! Empties my breasts in no time and I love how quiet it is!!

I also love my Spectra! My insurance covered the Spectra S2 but I paid $30 more to upgrade to the S1. Its the same (except blue instead of pink) but has a battery pack so I don’t need to keep it plugged in all the time! I pump 3 times a day during the work week and only need to charge it once a week. Total game changer!

Ive also used both pumps and I have the Spectra this time. I love how quiet it is but definitely wish it didn’t have to be plugged in. I’m a surgeon and when pumping in the OR locker room, I have to locate the ONE super inconvenient outlet! Otherwise I love it so far! This is such a great comparison of the two!

Great blog post on comparing both pumps. I just wanted to note that the Spectra S1 has a rechargeable battery. I love it since it is so convenient to move the pump to different rooms and not have to worry about finding an outlet. The charge is really good and I’ve never run out of battery.

I used the Medela pump with my first baby and would recommend the Spectra S1 as the pump to buy.

I’m pregnant with #3 and I’ve pumped with my first two, both with Medela. With my first I also exclusively pumped (although I only made it 6 months), but I also pumped daily with my second because I wanted that store of milk. I’m definitely going to look into my insurance coverage for the Spectra because efficiency + quicker pump times is a major bonus for me!